
Matthew Jones
An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter.
Latest articles by Matthew Jones

Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass review: lightweight and no nonsense
By Matthew Jones published
The well-built, well-priced Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass is a practical, versatile and inexpensive hiking and hillwalking tool

Buck Ridgeway camping knife review: a classy US knife made with Britain in mind
By Matthew Jones published
A small, lightweight slipjoint knife the Buck Ridgeway has elegant looks at an attractive price: all qualities that make it an appealing option as an everyday carry tool

Decathlon Geonaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass review: give your orienteering an edge
By Matthew Jones published
The Decathlon Geonaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass is ideal for orienteers and adventure racers on a budget

Silva Expedition Type 4 compass review: the original base plate compass is still one of the best
By Matthew Jones last updated
The standard against which all other base plate compasses are measured, the Silva Type 4 is a highly regarded, expedition-proven navigational tool

Böker Barlow O1 camping knife review: old-school charm and timeless practicality
By Matthew Jones published
The epitome of the traditional pocket-knife, the clip-point Böker Barlow O1 is a timeless classic that will appeal to lovers of heritage outdoor equipment

Three Rivers Atlas camping knife review: an extremely capable cutting tool
By Matthew Jones published
Small but surprisingly capable, this US-made blade is well-designed and superbly executed for everyday carry, backpacking and hiking

Exped Lightning 45 review: a light, beefy, versatile hiking backpack
By Matthew Jones published
A lightweight, top-loading pack with a roll-top closure, the Exped Lightning 45 is a deceptively simple design. But while it is minimalist and streamlined in terms of features, it doesn’t compromise on carrying comfort, with a padded harness and hipbelt plus a strengthened T-shaped frame that can handle heavier loads

Montane Trailblazer 44 review: an impressively lightweight and functional pack
By Matthew Jones published
Designed for fastpacking trips and other quick-paced adventures, the lightweight Montane Trailblazer 44 pack draws on the brand’s mountain running heritage with a trail vest-style harness that offers plenty of practical, on-the-go storage

Osprey Levity 45 review: a lightweight trekking pack that won't get uncomfortable
By Matthew Jones published
The Osprey Levity 45 is an ultralight framed trekking pack that shaves grams without sacrificing carrying comfort

Gregory Katmai 55 review: a great hiking pack for long miles and heavy loads
By Matthew Jones published
Built to carry heavy loads in comfort thanks to a pivoting harness and body-hugging hipbelt, the Gregory Katmai 55 is a serious gear-hauler, but it’s also been made with sustainability in mind

Sprayway Nakuru Rainpants review: a reliable and easy-to-pack pair of waterproof trousers
By Matthew Jones published
The no-nonsense Sprayway Nakuru Rainpants have an accommodating fit and dependable Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable performance

Páramo Cascada II Rain Pants review: innovative rain pants that keep you consistently dry
By Matthew Jones published
Wear-all-day waterproofs for hiking, the Páramo Cascada II Rain Pants are soft and comfortable, with excellent venting options – ideal for hiking in fluctuating temperatures and changeable weather

Benchmade Proper 318 Clip-point Micarta review: a classy everyday carry knife
By Matthew Jones published
Stylish yet understated, the US-built Benchmade Proper 318 Clip-point Micarta knife is a premium slipjoint folder giving superb all-round performance in all situations

SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin review: a tough steel knife for any outdoor use
By Matthew Jones published
The SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin works well both on the trail and when put to use in camp, offering good performance, dexterity and control

Spyderco UK Penknife Drop Point (UKPK) review: an effective and lightweight camping knife
By Matthew Jones published
The Spyderco UK Penknife Drop Point (UKPK) is a lightweight and compact but highly effective cutting tool that performs consistently well, whether employed as an everyday carry knife, on the trail or in camp

Svord Peasant Mini review: a straightforward knife for a variety of uses
By Matthew Jones published
A simple, robust, no-nonsense friction folder, the Svord Peasant Mini is built for hard use, making it very popular with all sorts of outdoor types, from farmers and foresters to fishermen

Zero Tolerance 0230 Jens Anso review: a superior knife from an esteemed maker
By Matthew Jones published
The minimalist, ultra-modern Zero Tolerance 0230 Jens Anso slipjoint knife is incredibly light but has serious cutting power – the perfect everyday carry-outdoor knife for a dedicated ultralighter with a taste for premium gear

CRKT CEO Heinnie Haynes Edition review: an elegant knife with good cutting performance
By Matthew Jones published
An elegant slimline pocket-knife, the CRKT CEO Heinnie Haynes Edition is lightweight and easy to carry, with a versatile blade profile for everyday tasks

Böker Plus XS review: a practical camping knife with all-round appeal
By Matthew Jones published
A striking-looking everyday carry knife, the versatile Böker Plus XS has some handy design touches that make it well-suited to a multitude of outdoor tasks

How to choose a tent: find the ideal shelter for your adventures
By Matthew Jones, Pat Kinsella, Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to choose a tent, with so many varieties on the market, can be a bit befuddling. We cut through the jargon in our comprehensive guide on choosing the optimum shelter

Opinel No 05 Carbon review: a small knife for small jobs
By Matthew Jones published
The classic French pocket-knife, the Opinel No 05 Carbon is a simple, durable and charming thing to carry and own

Fällkniven LTC review: a small but mighty knife for everyday use
By Matthew Jones published
The diminutive Fällkniven LTC penknife – designed to be legal for everyday carry in most countries – is a perfect pocket companion for daily life that also comes in handy for hiking and camping

Revolution Race Cyclone Rescue 2.0 jacket review: a comfortable jacket that provides all-round protection
By Matthew Jones published
A versatile, value-driven shell, the Revolution Race Cyclone Rescue 2.0 is built from a comfortable stretch fabric and is also armed with some useful features
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